Edo Commerce And Industry Doles Out N20m To Co-operative Societies

By VICTOR OMOALU

The Edo State Ministry of Commerce and Industry has presented cheques valued twenty million naira to 100 Co-operative Societies across the three senatorial districts of Edo State with a charge to make judicious use of the money.

In her address delivered at the official presentation of the cheques under the micro-credit scheme, which took place at the conference hall of the Ministry, yesterday the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Edo State, Dr. (Mrs) Abieyuwa Osemwenkha, said that the occasion marked another milestone in the design of the state government to empower the people at the grassroots level, adding that the Edo state government under the leadership of Senator (Prof) Oserhiemen Osunbor was irrevocably committed to the warefare of the people at the grassroots.

While noting that the beneficiaries have proved themselves worthy of the kind gestures of the state government, the honourable commissioner, however, emphasized that the sum was not a grant but a loan, urging them to apply the money in a productive ventures, so as to justify the good intention of the state government.

Hon. Abieyuwa who stated that the loan was repayable, urged the beneficiaries to adhere strictly to the repayment scheduled designed by the loans management committee.

Pastor Okweku Emmanuel, a representative of the Ojeamio Multi Purpose Co-operative Society on behalf of the beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation and commended the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as well as Edo State government for the kind gesture towards empowering them at the grassroots.

Those benefited were the Holy Many Co-operative Society, Ever Ready Farmers Co-operative Society, Uwayemen Multi Purpose and Tomatoes/Pepper Co-operative Society, Akugbe Multi Purpose Co-operative Society, Edokpani Co-operative Society amongst others.